Letter: Thank you, Judge Herndon

Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006 | 7:09 a.m.

I want to thank Judge Douglas Herndon's courageous intervention and for being the advocate for the people across Nevada whose constitutional rights are about to be trampled by Question 5 and other measures like it.

Nevadans don't want our rights lost by the attempt of people who are trying to direct personal freedoms and businesses across the state in what they can or cannot do. If people don't want to be exposed to breathing cigarette smoke, they should not patronize establishments that allow smoking. By not going to Southern Nevada bar and taverns that allow smoking, this is a sure way to express their (nonsmokers) rights to the owners. This is the democratic way.

I am shocked and disappointed in people stating things such as this: "Health must always trump the 'rights' of smokers when it comes to exposing nonsmokers to the exhaust coming from smokers' lungs." What I don't hear them saying is ban cars and trucks, diesels and such - or is this next? Just like New York, let's ban trans fat because it makes people fat - again, the do-gooders trying to regulate our lives and tell what's best for us.

This is a slippery slope, heading to a socialistic state where "big brother" will regulate all.

This is not an attempt to thwart a law that will reduce cancer-related illnesses and save lives right here in Nevada - the judge's decision is a clear path forward to save the people's freedom of choice. That's all it comes down to: If you don't like it, don't patronize it! Go to a nonsmoking establishment, or better yet, open your own to pander to and support your beliefs. Don't trample my right of choice.

Curtiss Davis, Pahrump